Understanding ASEAN: Batam

Batam is the largest city in the province of Riau Islands, Indonesia. Its administrative area covers three main islands: Batam, Rempang, and Galang (collectively known as Barelang). Batam Island serves as the core urban and industrial zone, while Rempang and Galang maintain their rural character. The city is an industrial boomtown, an emerging transport hub, and part of a free trade zone within the Indonesia–Malaysia–Singapore Growth Triangle.